LOCAL people are being asked to have their say on new plans for a massive supermarket in the centre of York.

But they will have to hurry, because the fresh consultation on plans for an expanded Sainsbury's store at Foss Bank ends tomorrow.

The move comes after Sainsbury's submitted proposals for a new 8,605 square metre store at its existing site earlier this year.

If the plans go ahead, both Sainsbury's and Homebase in Foss Bank would be demolished to make way for the new supermarket.

Residents were consulted about the plans earlier this year, but the council has subsequently asked for changes to the building, which means that the consultation period has been reopened.

Cliff Carruthers, the council's head of development control, said: "There were some concerns about the original scheme in terms of its appearance."

Mr Carruthers said the new plans would make the building more attractive, with brickwork and cedar wood replacing much of the original metal.

A Sainsbury's spokesperson said: "Sainsbury's has submitted a planning application to extend its existing store on Foss Bank, in order to provide a modern, quality shopping environment and improve the food retail offer within the city centre.

"The application proposes a larger, enhanced food store and improvements to the layout of the site as a whole, with a revised car parking layout and improved access, including easier pedestrian links to the city centre and substantial cycle parking.

"If the planning application is approved, the scheme would increase the store size to 8,605 square metres.

"There are no current plans for Homebase to close and the store is trading as normal.

"If Sainsbury's plans are given the go-ahead, Homebase will review its situation."

But a Homebase spokesperson said: "We are happy trading where we are.

"Homebase has a leasehold interest in the property for a number of years and we expect to continue trading.

"There's no agreement with Sainsbury's to dispose of our interest.

"Homebase is aware of the planning application, but there are no negotiations going on."

The revised plans are on view in the council's offices at 9 St Leonard's Place, from 8.30am to 5pm, as well as in Sainsbury's.

Any comments should be submitted in writing to the council's development control officer, Mick Britton.

Updated: 10:44 Tuesday, November 04, 2003